News

In 2018 the University of Newcastle will switch on what will be one of the largest projects of roof top Photovoltaic (PV) solar installations in the University sector. The $4 million 2.0 megawatt system will see over 6000 panels installed across approximately 25 buildings at the Callaghan campus with additional panels also installed at the Ourimbah campus.

In 2017 the UON installed a 278 panel 75 kilowatt system atop the library building in Ourimbah. This system is equivalent to powering 19 homes, reducing carbon emissions equal to taking 37 cars off the road or planting and growing to maturity over 660 trees.

The Industry Development Centre (home of the Tom Farrell Institute) had 32 panels (approximately 8.6 kW) installed in late 2016.

In 2016 the Tom Farrell Institute in conjunction with CLEANaS conducted a feasibility study on the Callaghan Campus going 100% renewable energy by 2020. For more information...

The University of Newcastle is committed to a 20% reduction on CO2 emissions per meter square of gross floor area by 2020 from a 2007 baseline. Through increased funding of on-site energy efficiency and renewable energy options together with the 2.0 MW system, the University is expecting to meet this commitment.

A start. This will alienate the coal lobby and encourage the renewables enthusiasts but it’s a substantial foot in the door for the renewables business case. When the dust settles, what matters to the UON Council is saving money and not upsetting its backers. Coal is on the way out but she’s kicking and screaming and breaking the furniture as she leaves. The replacement girlfriend is renewables and she’s cleaner and cheaper. Coal leaves us with a nasty rash. The sooner she’s gone altogether the sooner we can breathe a sigh of relief. She was such a skank.